Vatican City
The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the
world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael
Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

Austria
Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital
is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and
incredible history & food. Go Now!

France is a large country that has always attracted people due to its geography.
Today tourists flock to the country in huge numbers, but historically people were
attracted to the fertile lands and many rivers. This lifestyle based on agriculture
and raising animals has been at the heart of French culture for centuries and even
today French culture seems to be perfectly defined with family and friends at a
table filled with incredible foods and wines.

Farming has always been an important part of the French culture and even today many
people live a lifestyle rooted in farming and the lands. This lifestyle is based
on the seasons, the weather, and the foods that can be grown. Historically this
was focused on foods for survival, but today a significant percentage comes in the
form of grapes grown for wines, a representative of the country's shift in focus
from working day to day to survive to today's relaxed and easy going culture
where time is not important.

Despite the seemingly relaxed state of France today, the country hasn't always
been so passive. In fact, France has led numerous movements and was among the first
countries in the world to push social programs to protect the rights of the lower
class and minorities. Of course with these social changes, they also insisted on
keeping short work weeks so life can be enjoyed.

The culture in France is about lifestyle and lifestyle in France is about enjoying
life. Today the people love hiking the mountains, taking a leisurely bike ride,
or just relaxing on the southern beaches. Life is also about indulgences, including
excellent foods and breads as well as wines. Time around the table with family and
friends is more important than work or money in France as this lifestyle defines
their culture and their culture is defined by their lifestyle.

Of course there's more to life in France than just good food, good wine, and
good friends. This culture is rooted in the country's history and their traditions.
In fact the people are proud of their history and past in many ways as the architecture,
foods, religion, language, and lifestyle are all important aspects of their past
and their present, each helping to define their nation and their culture in its
own way, which makes France truly one of a kind.